Written by Joseph Clark
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with senior Qatari leaders on Tuesday at the Gulf nation’s Al Udeid Air Base and praised the strong defense relationship between the United States and Qatar.
As part of a multi-day tour of the Middle East, he met separately with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We had a meeting. of the nation for national defense issues. During these talks, Austin emphasized the United States’ commitment to the strategic defense relationship.
According to a summary of the talks, he thanked the two leaders for “Qatar’s significant efforts in securing the release of 110 hostages held by Hamas,” and said Hamas would release the remaining hostages. He expressed his hope that this would happen.
According to the brief, he reiterated the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and stressed that the increased U.S. military posture is a message to state and non-state actors seeking to escalate tensions.
In remarks ahead of talks with Qatar’s defense minister, Austin thanked the other country for its “tireless coordination” and announced plans for Qatar’s new addition to Al Udeid Air Base, a key regional hub for the United States. While welcoming the investment, he expressed continued support for strengthening defense ties. military operating in the Middle East.
“I especially wanted to come here today to share that Qatar and the United States are formally moving forward to expand and strengthen our bilateral defense relationship,” Austin said. “We intend to do this through Qatar’s commitment to provide significant resources to improve the capabilities of Al Udeid Air Base here, which will support our two countries’ militaries for years to come. Let’s go.”
He said the presence of U.S. troops at the base “will enable the United States to support a variety of critical missions in the region and address our shared security challenges.”
“Our strong presence here further strengthens our defense partnership,” Austin said.
Qatar, which was recently designated as a major non-NATO ally, is an important regional partner for the United States, and that partnership remains strong, Austin said.
“In times of crisis, Qatar responds to our calls,” Austin said, citing Qatar’s support in securing hostages held by Hamas and the release of five Americans imprisoned in Iran earlier this year. It was mentioned above that Qatar played an important role.
Austin also noted Qatar’s support as U.S. forces completed the safe evacuation of more than 124,000 people from Afghanistan in 2021. This is one of the largest airlifts in history.
“These are just some of the reasons why the Department welcomes this progress,” he said. “This is a milestone for our defense partnership. We look forward to further working together to make the region more stable and secure.”
Austin also traveled to Manama, Bahrain today to meet with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander of the Bahrain Defense Forces.
Austin thanked the leaders for hosting U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, headquartered in Manama, and for Bahrain’s “leadership in regional integration and maritime security efforts,” according to a summary of the meeting.
The meeting comes after Austin announced a new multinational maritime security initiative on Monday in response to the recent escalation of Houthi attacks originating from Yemen. The attack threatens trade flows and puts seafarers operating in the Red Sea at risk.
The security initiative Operation Garden of Prosperity brings together forces from the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain to address regional challenges and improve navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf. We ensure the freedom of Aden.
The force will operate under the umbrella of the Joint Maritime Command and under the guidance of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led effort focused on maritime security in the Red Sea.
“Countries seeking to uphold the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must come together to address the challenge posed by non-state actors who launch ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the commercial vessels of many nations legally transiting the high seas. ” Austin said in a statement. initiative.
“This is an international challenge that requires collective action,” he said.